Happy Holidays, Friends, Partners and Supporters, 

Equitable healthcare begins with access and Health Outreach Partners has tirelessly worked to improve access to health care for historically excluded communities since 1970.  This year was no exception! HOP reached 2482 people in the last year.  Our work has led to the integration of outreach programs into health centers, new transportation programs, and new resources and tools to support patients nationwide to navigate the end of the Public Health Emergency and the Medicaid redetermination process.  All of our work has impacted the health outcomes of individuals and marginalized communities.  

One of our nation’s greatest barriers to care is the lack of adequate transportation. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 21% of adults in the US, who do not have access to a car or reliable public transportation, went without needed health care last year.   It's estimated that the majority of individuals who utilize public transportation to access health care are disproportionately low-income or people of color. The lack of public transportation in many rural communities means that patients continue to have difficulty getting to appointments which results in missed appointments, delayed care, and ultimately poorer health outcomes. Addressing transportation barriers in health care is one of HOP’s central priorities.